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Edinburgh has been remembering one of the world's greatest magicians.

The Great Lafayette was the stage name of the German illusionist Sigmund Neuberger. At the time of his death a century ago he was the world's highest-paid performer and 250,000 people went to his funeral.

Lafayette's grand finale was a famous stunt called The Lion's Bride. A female assistant would walk into a cage containing a real lion. When the lion was about to kill her, its skin would be pulled off to reveal… The Great Lafayette.

Of course it was all done with smoke and mirrors, as well as Lafayette's great sleight of hand. But on 9 May 1911 something went horribly wrong.

Halfway through his routine, a gas lamp was knocked over and the stage scenery caught fire. The audience all thought it was part of the act and refused to leave the theatre until the band played the national anthem.

Lafayette died along with 10 other people, a horse and the famous lion. But he continued to play tricks on people even after his death.

Three days after the fire, another body was discovered in the theatre wearing Lafayette's clothes. This, it emerged, was the magician himself; the first body had been that of an assistant.

One hundred years on, the great magician continues to work his magic. Last weekend, the Edinburgh Festival Theatre hosted a series of special events in honour of the magician, including a séance.

Quiz

When did The Great Lafayette die? 

A century ago - 100 years ago.

Is this statement true, false or not given? Neuberger called himself Lafayette when he was performing his act. 

True - it was his stage name.

Is this statement true, false or not given? Lafayette had remarkable hands. 

Not given - Lafayette had 'sleight of hand' which is a phrase meaning he could use his hands well, but doesn't describe the hands themselves.

When was Lafayette's body found? 

Three days after the fire.

Look at the article. Can you find a synonym for the noun 'act'? 

Routine

Glossary 词汇表

magician 魔术师 

stage name 艺名 

illusionist 幻术师、魔术师 

grand finale 终曲、结局 

stunt 特技、绝活 

It’s all done with smoke and mirrors. 这只是烟雾和镜子。（喻） 都是假象而已。 

sleight of hand 手法、技法 

routine 常规节目 

act 节目表演 

to play a trick on someone 开某人的玩笑 

to work one’s magic 有魔力、有影响 

séance 迎神会